Facebook Staff Spotlight: Round One

Facebook Staff Spotlight: Round One

Facebook Staff Spotlight: Round One

Over the past few months, we’ve made our way across the office to highlight a new MPA team member each week for the Facebook Staff Spotlight. Comprised of a variety of questions, the Facebook Staff Spotlight sought to find out all the nitty-gritty details about what makes each person at MPA one-of-a-kind.

Jessica Dubois: “Any of Alvaro Siza’s projects. I appreciate his design approach and that his projects always have a great dialogue with their surroundings. His interpretation of Modern Architecture is truly unique and his projects are always intriguing. And at the risk of sounding like a cliché architecture student, I still love the classics of Frank Lloyd Wright and Adolf Loos.”

Dianne Dunnell: “I really do not have a ‘Favorite’ building/architectural design. What I try to take away from the designs I see is their source of inspiration and the abstract use of form and space. Other sources of inspiration come from nature plus developments from industrial & fashion designs.”

Jonathan Evans: “Impossible to just have one. I’m a big fan of OMA’s work and their attempts at pushing the discipline forward. I appreciate that their projects are cleverly immersed in cultural and contextual forces. They’re bold but grounded with a position on society, or the user, or the place it’s in. Their most recent project for the Architecture School at Cornell is a great example of that. The building certainly has a presence and is formally bold but it respects its surroundings without being reductive or mimicking it. Many of the building’s more striking features are a result of optimizing the various functions of the building.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Not sure I can name just one, there are some really fantastic Dutch modern buildings and I saw a number of great designs when I did my study abroad and visited the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. At the same time though I love the look and feel (the textures) of old historic structures, I think there is real emotion that gets captured in something that has been built by hand.”

Barbara Hicks: “Although I work for architects, I’m more apt to notice environmental graphics instead of buildings. My favorite fonts are Deftone, Bodoni, and Helvetica (I know, how boring). Death to Comic Sans!”

Marnie Glover: “It’s too hard to pick just one. Some of my favorite buildings are the Vancouver Library Square, The Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa and The Chrysler Building IN NYC. I also like the work of Douglas Cardinal, particularly the Museum of Civilization.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “My favorite architectural design is anything by Herzog & de Meuron, their work with facades and textures has always been something I have been drawn to.”

Duncan Lake: “I’m going to leave that one to the architects … I’d rather not embarrass myself.”

Christine Law Pestana: “My favorite design styles are modernism and mid-century modernism or organic modernism, both in architecture and furniture design. The usual suspects of Wright, Corbusier, Aalto, Gropius, Kahn, and Saarinen are some of my favorites. I am really getting into this more in the renovation of my house which is a post and beam modern style with sort of a Joseph Eichler feel to it. Eichler was a builder and real estate developer who was instrumental in bringing Mid-Century Modern architecture to subdivisions in the Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area. I love how Wright was so ahead of his time in terms of designing to work with his surroundings as almost the first “green” architecture rather than against it in his residential design which I have had the pleasure of visiting while in CA, IL, MI and AZ. I also think the fact that he was such a diva is pretty funny.”

Monica Moreira: “Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s one of Wright’s best work that captures art with nature. I have been there twice in my life and each time was taken back how much detail went into this home, of course down to the silverware.”

Janet Morra: “I have always thought that Villa Rotunda in Vicenza, Italy was the most perfect building on the most perfect site. I was lucky enough to go to Vicenza and see it, and got as close as peeking in the windows, without getting arrested.”

Sarah Nasznic: “Rem Koolhaus’ Seattle Public Library. What isn’t awesome about this building?”

Melissa Panasuik: “My favorite architectural design has to be the Gilded Age period, and in particular the mansions of Newport, RI. I always find it amazing that all that opulence was put into what at the time was considered ‘summer cottages’.”

John Pearson: “Machu Picchu, Peru. Perhaps more a city than a building. Or is it more a building than a city? Glorious, high, sacred space. Also, Pantheon in Rome. Sydney Opera House. Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Trinity Church in Boston. Academy of Arts and Science, Cambridge. Wright’s Oak Park studio and residence.”

Dan Perruzzi: “There is so much great work out there, but three that I have visited stand out for me. The Boston Public Library in Copley Square commands that urban space like no other building, and the courtyard is a wonderful contemplative space. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Template in Oak Park is an amazing interior space, small yet housing a large congregation. Borromini’s Saint Ivo in Rome is a tiny geometric jewel.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “This is a really tough question to answer as it always seems to be changing and I haven’t seen nearly enough. The Pantheon had a lasting impression on me. The Jubilee Church, by Richard Meier, on the outskirts of Rome, is an incredible space to be in as well.”

Sara Rebeiro: “I definitely have a thing for old Victorian houses. There were three in my hometown that had been renovated when I was probably in elementary school and they painted them all these funky, bright colors – colors that an architect/designer actually would cringe at. I just that that they were so neat. I just loved all the details and I always wondered how long it took to attach all the woodwork details. That would definitely be the style of my dream home, with a giant wraparound porch.”

John Vining: “I just enjoy figuring out the nuts and bolts of putting a house or building together …”

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE (FAMOUS) ARCHITECT(S)?

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Favorite Architect – Alvar Aalto & Bohuslav Fuchs. Although not well known here in the states, he’s quite famous for his avant-garde design and buildings in the Czech Republic. If you look at his buildings today they don’t seem too fantastic but when you look at them in light of the political situation of the day and what was being built at that time, he really expanded architectural design to another level.”

Jane Sullivan: “Tadao Ando – his buildings are pure form – just beautiful.”

Kim Smith: “From a historical point of view, I like most projects by Carlo Scarpa. His attention to detail and integration of architecture within the exisiting context and/or landscape is amazing. In terms of present day, I’m a big fan of Renzo Piano’s work.

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Derek D’Amico: “Tiger, because they’re fast and strong.”

Jessica Dubois: “I would be a bird so I could see the world from above.”

Dianne Dunnell: “I’ve been called ‘The bag lady’ by a client since I have been known to carry a lot of samples to meetings. Maybe being a Kangaroo with a pouch would be helpful.”

Joe Flynn: “A black bear – They get to hibernate in the winter.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “A cat; who else gets to lay out in the sun all day and relax?”

Caitlin Greenwood: “A bear, I would like to hibernate when it’s cold out; I love naps.”

Vivienne Kenny: “A kangaroo, I could jump around all day and no one could yell at me ”

Duncan Lake: “A polar bear because they get to play in the snow all day long.”

Christine Law Pestana: “I would like to be a cat. At least my cat seems to have a very relaxing and happy life. Plus, they are smarter than dogs.”

Janet Morra: “I don’t know if I would go as far as saying I would want to be Sponge Bob, but I totally love watching it (even though my kids have long outgrown it). I particularly like the episodes where they go onto dry land, and Sponge Bob is just a kitchen sponge.”

Sarah Nasznic: “A bear … I’d love to take a nap for a few months.”

Melissa Panasuik: “A squirrel. They are high energy a bit scatter-brained and rather obsessive compulsive – like me.”John Pearson: “Eagle. Other than the messy diet, pretty spectacular lifestyle.”

Dan Perruzzi: “A jaguar or cheetah. Speed beats a lot of things.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “A dolphin. They seem to really enjoy life and spend their days swimming carefree in the ocean.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “A dog. They have all of the benefits of being human (love, shelter, food and healthcare) without really having to do anything.”

Kim Smith: “A cheetah, they’re graceful, the fastest animal on the planet and they don’t have any enemies.”

Jane Sullivan: “A tiger – I’m thinking it’s better to be on the top of the food chain!”

Nathan Turner: “An eagle – great view of things.”

John Vining: “I’d be an eagle, so I could gracefully soar to the heavens and back (sounds sweet … plucking rodents up and chomping them would be pretty fulfilling).”

IF YOU COULD BE ANY CARTOON CHARACTER, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Derek D’Amico: “Spiderman.”

Jessica Dubois: “Betty Boop. I just love her.”

Dianne Dunnell: “Dora the Explorer – To cash in on all the product endorsements she has! Besides who wouldn’t want a pet monkey that can talk?”

Jonathan Evans: “Not sure who exactly, but I think I’d want to be on The Simpsons. Cartoon or not, I think that’s one of the best shows ever. It’s been around for decades and is still funny and sharp.”

Joe Flynn: “Fred Flintstone … isn’t it obvious? He got to scream ‘Yabba Dabba Doo!’ while sliding down a brontosaurus’ back every time he got off work.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “He’s a puppet not a cartoon character but since he’s not alive does it still count? – I’d have to say Scooter from the Muppets. He’s quirky, funny, and a bit dorky sometimes – just like me! Oh, and for some reasons unbeknownst to me. Dan gave me that nickname back when I started at MPA. After hearing ‘where’s Scooter?’ at the office all the time, his image is just cemented in my mind.”

Barbara Hicks: “Stewie – I, too, seek world domination and think I could be good at building robots.”

Marnie Glover: “This was a real tough one, I would have to say the Care Bear Tenderheart because I always want people to be themselves around me no matter what they are feeling or going through.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “Betty Boop – I just think she’s so cute!

Vivienne Kenny: “Stewie Griffin, I would love to be a baby trying to take over the world.”

Duncan Lake: “Tin Tin; he went on some awesome adventures.”

Christine Law Pestana: “When I was little I wanted to be Wonder Woman but that was a long time ago. I even had the bathing suit and Underoos. If you don’t know what Underoos are then you missed out. I also like Hoops and Yoyo from the Hallmark cards which I guess count as cartoons. They crack me up. I would have to pick Hoops because he is the cat.”

Monica Moreira: “People that are always negative with anything.”

Janet Morra: “I’m a little bit ‘tightly wound’ about proper spelling. When I see mistakes (on printed signs and menus for example) it just drives me nuts.”

Sarah Nasznic: “Velma from Scooby-Doo – she’s just so cute and clearly the brains of the group.”

Melissa Panasuik: “Probably Louis Griffin from Family Guy. We have a lot of similarities. Sarcastic sense of humor (check), parents who live in Barrington, RI (check), husband who does crazy things sometimes (check), baby who is planning to take over the world (check)…”

John Pearson: “Linus, in Peanuts. Brilliant pianist in spite of the fact that the black eyes are just painted on. And the wisdom of sage.”

Dan Perruzzi: “Bugs Bunny, the ultimate wise-guy. Not that I’m a wise-guy or anything.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “Archer. He’s got an exciting job.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “Bugs Bunny seemed to have the world figured out pretty well, but probably Rocko from Rocko’s Modern Life.”

Sara Rebeiro: “I would have to go with Popeye. It would definitely give me more incentive to eat health if I grew huge muscles every time I ate spinach and think about how easy carrying groceries in the house would be.”

Jane Sullivan: “The ‘Road Runner’ … Beep! Beep! I’m typically running late, so sometimes I find myself running out the door and practically knocking people out of the way.”

Nathan Turner: “Road Runner – couldn’t catch him it you tried.”

John Vining: “I’d be Popeye the Sailor Man (minus the spinach, plus the massive forearms).”

WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE?

Derek D’Amico: “People speaking too loud on the phone.”

Jessica Dubois: “When people are unprofessional or just care about their work.”

Dianne Dunnell: “A colleague of mine was looking at a room I had available (back in the days of apartment living) and had indicated her pet peeve was a wet sponge in the sink. I‘m thinking… Really, out of all the things to be concerned about when living with a roommate and her top one is a wet sponge. That’s when I knew life is too short to have pet peeves. I try not to sweat the small stuff.”

Barbara Hicks: “The sounds of people eating, jingling change, and the screech of packing tape.”

Marnie Glover: “People littering especially when there is a trash can close by … who do they think is going to pick it up?”

Caitlin Greenwood: “I’m not a big fan of negativity, even when it comes from me. I try to surround myself with positive people.”

Vivienne Kenny: “People who chew with their mouth open. When people drag their feet, and when people drive the exact speed limit.”

Duncan Lake: “People that leave their blinker on when they aren’t turning. Stupid … I know.”

Christine Law Pestana: “Bad drivers, texting while driving (people still are doing it), people who need to be on their phone all of the time.”

Monica Moreira: “People that are always negative with anything.”

Janet Morra: “I’m a little bit ‘tightly wound’ about proper spelling. When I see mistakes (on printed signs and menus for example) it just drives me nuts.”

Sarah Nasznic: “When people leave their blinker on while driving – specifically the left blinker in the fast lane. Please don’t take a left into the guard rail …”

Melissa Panasuik: “The ‘breakfast club’ on the commuter rail. You know the people … The one’s that sit at the center tables and carry on extremely loud conversations, laughing and kibitzing at 6:45 in the morning. Anyone with that much energy, that early in the morning, needs a serious psych evaluation.”

John Pearson: “Telemarketing. Receiving, or giving!”

Dan Perruzzi: “Being late. For me, it’s the most disrespect you can show to others.”

Sara Rebeiro: “My biggest pet peeve is when people chew with their mouth open. It grosses me out, big time.”

Kim Smith: “I’m annoyed by people who litter. A close second would be indecisive drivers.”

Jane Sullivan: “I have a couple of pet peeves … 1: When I’m working with people who say they’ll do something and then they don’t … and 2: Anyone who is negative – I find them totally ANNOYING! Life is too short to be complaining and negative. I always look at the world as the glass is half full … from my point of view, it’s never half empty.”

Nathan Turner: “Laziness.”

John Vining: “Lack of consideration: Be on time, call people back, don’t leave me hangin’.”

IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE BESIDES HERE, WHERE WOULD YOU LIVE?

Derek D’Amico: “California.”

Jessica Dubois: “Europe. France is my top pick. The culture is so creative and inviting and I find the language so beautiful.”

Dianne Dunnell: “I’ve been asked to think about this question a few years ago and I could not determine what other area would have a ‘balanced’ 4 seasons. The farther north you go the shorter your summer is. The farther south you go the shorter your winter is. The Midwest does not have access to the ocean. Enjoying all the seasons is important to me and is an experience I wish to share with my family. Maybe Northern California or Washington might be worth exploring. I did have a period time, before kids, where I thought living in Tuscany or a Greek Island would have been a great experience.”

Jonathan Evans: “New York City. It’s full of energy and constantly evolving and reinventing itself. On the flipside, I love a place like Vermont for its natural beauty and charming scenery.”

Joe Flynn: “Chicago, Illinois.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Brno in the Czech Republic. My maternal grandparents were from the Czech Republic (well Czechoslovakia at the time) and when I visited in college I fell in love with Brno. It has a great mix of the old and the new (both the traditions and the architecture) and just has a real comfortable feel.”

Barbara Hicks: “California … so laid back, easy going, and the chance to run into endless celebrities.”

Marnie Glover: “I would live in Bali. I loved it there.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “Anywhere in Western Europe would suffice but I especially love Barcelona, it is one of my favorite places.”

Vivienne Kenny: “Florida.”

Duncan Lake: “Breckenridge, Colorado.”

Christine Law Pestana: “Chicago; even though my first visit was in the middle of February and even colder than Boston. The people were nice, I loved the architecture, museums, different neighborhoods, parks, etc. Just not sure that a big lake could take the place of the ocean for me!”

Monica Moreira: “Chicago is one of my favorite cities! It is any easy city to navigate around, the architecture is phenomenal, and the people are so friendly.”

Janet Morra: “Probably Chicago – I think it is a great city and combines the best aspects of both Boston and New York. Also a great place to be an architect!”

Sarah Nasznic: “Salt Lake City, Utah – If only being a ski bum was an accepted and legitimate way to make a living …”

Melissa Panasuik: “Switzerland. I would get fat off the chocolate all spring and summer, and then lose it all by skiing the Alps all winter.”

John Pearson: “British Columbia, in the mountains. Nova Scotia. Or on a boat.”

Dan Perruzzi: “Italy, either in Florence or on the Amalfi cost. I live in Rome for a year, and the Italians really have living figured out. Barring that, on a beach.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “Anguilla, it’s as close to heave as anywhere could be.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “In Europe, somewhere. I have family in Portugal, lived in Italy before, and really loved the people in Ireland.”

Kim Smith: “Australia.”

Jane Sullivan: “I love France but would probably choose to live in London … my French isn’t very good and France would be a short trip from London.”

Nathan Turner: “The Peloponnese.”

John Vining: “It would be, ‘I DON’T KNOW, PLEASE GET ME OUTTA HERE SO I CAN EXPLORE THE WORLD AND FIGURE IT OUT!’ ”

IF YOU COULDN’T BE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ALTERNATE CAREER?

Derek D’Amico: “A stock broker.”

Jessica Dubois: “I would want to travel the world and photograph. (Planet Earth crew, maybe?)”

Dianne Dunnell: “I’d love to be retired right now from the sale of an invention (or website) I had created, or an industrial designer for IDEO, or A TV host on the Travel Channel. I’ll even take being a Megabucks winner and becoming a philanthropist!! A little known fact: I contemplated being a Biologist with a focus on genetics before selecting a college and was a Biology peer tutor while in college.”

Jonathan Evans: “Alternate career would be teaching architecture. Outside of design altogether, I’d have to say sportswriter. I’ve dabbled in it off and on over the years and I appreciate the challenge of telling the story and documenting all of the personalities, feats, failures and triumphs in a given game.”

Joe Flynn: “Gondola rower in Venice.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Probably a teacher, helping and assisting people comes natural to me and I love learning and sharing new things with others.”

Barbara Hicks: “A retired lottery winner.”

Marnie Glover: “I would work with children – not sure in what capacity – but with children.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “If I could somehow travel the world and get paid for it that would be great. (If someone could let me know it/how that is possible, that would also be great.)

Vivienne Kenny: “Hair stylist.”

Duncan Lake: “Photographer or perhaps an audio engineer.”

Christine Law Pestana: “I would love to refinish mid-century or Danish modern furniture and resell it. Not sure that is a career but it sounds like fun to me. I’m also interested in carpentry. I might be trying my hand at a bit of this in the renovation of my house.”

Monica Moreira: “Biologist. I loved biology/science in my younger years, but designing spaces for people was definitely the career path for me. While my sisters were playing with Barbies and other dolls, I was drawing, sketching plans and elevations of my parent’s house. I was always trying to figure out how to create better living spaces at the age of 10. Just ask my mom! I never owned a Barbie doll ”

Janet Morra: “Huh? Are there other careers?”

Melissa Panasuik: “I would love to be a professional flower decorator, like the people who work at Winstons. Can you imagine going into someone’s mansion of a home, and having free license to decorate it for Christmas?! – So much fun! As long as I don’t have to care for the flowers then it’s perfect. Ask anyone here, I have a divinely given ability to kill plants within days, if not hours of them getting into my care.”

John Pearson: “A design-build contractor.”

Dan Perruzzi: “A photographer. I’ve dabbled some, but would love more time to do it.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “A sculptor or a real estate developer.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “Billionaire.”

Sara Rebeiro: “I think I would be a gymnastics coach. I did gymnastics for 14 years, competed for 8 and taught kids, ages 4-6, gymnastics during high school. It was a great experience watching them learn and grow. I just love the sport.”

Kim Smith: “A floral designer or artist.”

Jane Sullivan: “An Art Curator in a modern art museum.”

Nathan Turner:“A chef – Still get to work with hands, limited by available ingredients, have demanding clients and have tight deadlines. BUT get to taste the results along the way.”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

Derek D’Amico: “Steak.”

Jessica Dubois: “Pizza – anytime, anywhere.”

Dianne Dunnell: “Anything with garlic – Garlic Mash Potatoes, Chicken Piccatta, and White Pizza to name a few – yumm!!”

Jonathan Evans: “Cheeseburger and fries with Buffalo wings coming in at a close second. Basically I’ll love almost anything on the menu of a sports bar.”

Christine Law Pestana: “Pizza and ice cream. There are so many different kinds that I don’t get sick of them.”

Monica Moreira: “Italian and Thai – love pasta!”

Janet Morra: “Seafood – lobster, shrimp, crab in particular.”

Sarah Nasznic: “Sushi. I actually bought all the materials, and now I make my own. A much cheaper alternative!”

Melissa Panasuik: “I’d have to say steamers. You haven’t seen me eat, ‘till you’ve watched me toss back three pounds of steamers all on my own. I’ve scared people at restaurants doing this.”

John Pearson: “Popcorn. Fried clams. ‘Delights of Three’.”

Dan Perruzzi: “Pasta generally wins, and there aren’t too many ways I don’t like it. The ultimate is probably pasta with vegetables like spinach, asparagus.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “Pizza. It’s rich in anti-oxidents, and can also be part of a complete breakfast.

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “Pizza.”

Sara Rebeiro: “Favorite food would definitely have to be any type of Mexican cuisine. In college, I would run a mile to Ana’s Taqueria to get a burrito and run home so I wouldn’t feel guilty about eating it.”

Kim Smith: “French or Italian.”

Jane Sullivan: “I love most all foods! Maybe my most favorite is Italian – and a favorite dish: Osso Buco.”

Nathan Turner: “Anything homecooked.”

John Vining: “Yup, my favorite food is meat and potatoes, just like my Dad. A juicy steak with mashed taters and carrots will suit me just fine. Bud Light, bottle of course – and junior mints to finish it all off.”

Jonathan Evans: “A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan are a couple of my favorites. Groups like that were part of the soundtrack of growing up in the 1990s in New York City. Over the years, my parent’s love of Coltrane has rubbed off. His work is both mainstream and avant-garde and you can tell he’s using the music.”

Joe Flynn: “Cocteau Twins.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Anything from Pop and Rock to Jazz and Country, there is almost nothing that I don’t like.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “There are far too many, but the short list includes: The Beatles, Mumford and Sons, As Tall as Lions.”

Monica Moreira: “OMG, Def Leopard! Still listen to them a lot – they’re on my iPod!”

Janet Morra: “Well, I saw the Ramones perform live in college. That was a life-altering experience!”

Melissa Panasuik: “Band – Lady Antebellum; Song – Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson. The lyrics of that song were so me back in high school. I couldn’t wait to break away from my little backwater town in Western Mass. If you’ve never heard the song, look up the lyrics and you’ll know what I mean.”

John Pearson: “Bob Dylan. The Band. Nora Jones/John McPhee.”

Dan Perruzzi: “Bob Dylan is my favorite artists, and I can’t pick one of his songs as a favorite, there are so many, although, ‘Forever Young’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ are two of the best.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “Beethoven. Fur Elise.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “311 is my favorite band.”

Sara Rebeiro: “Favorite singer would have to be Miranda Lambert. Favorite song at the moment is, ‘Making Plans’ by Miranda Lambert, so figure. Both of these are always changing though. I love music, yet I have no musical talent what so ever. I sadly can’t whistle or hum a tune.”

Kim Smith: “I don’t have a favorite band (I like so many!) but, I do have a favorite radio station. I listen to WERS every morning. Billie Holiday is my all-time favorite female singer; Miles Davis is my favorite jazz musician.

Nathan Turner: “Band = Beatles; Song = Hotel California (Hmm, why do song and band not line up?)”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

Derek D’Amico: “Man on Fire.”

Dianne Dunnell: “I’m impressed with directors and movie makers who can create movies that play on your emotions – Who knew a cartoon cowboy and astronaut action figure can get grown-ups verklempt (Toy Story 3). I also thought the last episode of Six Feet Under was the best way to direct a ‘Final Episode’ – I had a tough time holding back my emotions!”

Jonathan Evans: “As far as movies, I’ll have to say either Heat with Pacino and De Niro or Coming to America – my friends and I always end up quoting that one.”

Joe Flynn: “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Life as a House”

Marnie Glover: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Vivienne Kenny: “Dumb and Dumber”

Christine Law Pestana: “Clueless”

Sarah Nasznic: “ANY Chris Farley movie … I think I cried from laughing the first time I watched Black Sheep.”

Melissa Panasuik: “Bed of Roses. It combines all my favorite things: Christian Slater (back when he was adorable), romance, and flowers.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Probably Melissa Joan Hart, the kids I used to babysit always said she looked like my twin.”

Marnie Glover: “Jennifer Grey – people used to tell me I looked like her.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “Mary Elizabeth Winstead.”

Vivienne Kenny: “Tina Fey.”

Barbara Hicks: “My mom tells me I look like Trisha Yearwood, but I’d probably say Julia Roberts not just because I like her as an actress, but because my laugh is just as loud and obnoxious as hers.”

Christine Law Pestana: “I don’t know about a movie but sometimes people say that I remind them of Elaine on Seinfeld. More personality wise than looks wise. I’m not sure that is always a compliment!”

Monica Moreira: “Myself, of course!”

Melissa Panasuik: “Katie Holmes. But not the current Tom Cruise loving, posh, sophisticated, ‘my husband I are going to take over the world’ version of her. Rather the Dawson’s Creek, sickly sweet, country bumpkin version of her. Why? Because back when that show was on, she was the only actress my husband would admit to thinking was cute.”

Sarah Nasznic: “Rachel McAdams.”

John Pearson: “Harrison Ford or Sean Connery. They can fight it out.”

Dan Perruzzi: “Robert DeNiro. The mix of brains and barely concealed anger is very compelling and scary at the same time.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “Zak Galifinakas.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “If only Seth Rogen and Johnny Depp could have a child …”

Sara Rebeiro: “This is probably one of my favorite questions to ask people, I always love to see what their answer is. I would have to choose Rachel McAdams; she is one of my favorite actresses.”

Kim Smith: “Hillary Swank.”

Jane Sullivan: “Katherine Hepburn.”

Nathan Turner: “Robin Williams.”

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “Harlan Coben.”

Melissa Panasuik: “Nicholas Sparks. I love that his books always have some sort of twist at the end. Too bad it usually ends up being that someone dies, but I appreciate a good tear jerker.”

Kim Smith: “David Sedaris.”

John Pearson: “Mark Twain. E.B. White/Finlandia by Sibelius.”

Dan Perruzzi: “My favorite author is John Updike, although my guilty pleasure is Robert Parker’s ‘Spenser’ novels about a Boston-based detective.”

DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?

Christine Law Pestana: “To some of my family and friends and their kids, it’s Bean or Auntie Bean. At work, Claw which actually started a little in high school art class as that is how I signed my drawings not really even thinking about it, but made a strong comeback thanks to it being my email address.”

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Jessica Dubois: “Go outside, rock/ice climb. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to get away and relax.”

Jonathan Evans: “I love to teach. With students they’re often unencumbered by the realities of a professional project. With that critical distance, academia is a great venue to research and test out ideas for the evolution of architecture. I really enjoy helping students realize their ideas. Beyond Architecture, I’m big into watching and playing sports. Wherever there’s a pickup basketball game or a New York Mets game on TV I’m there.”

Cyndy Gibson Murphy: “I’m a big gardener and took up running a couple years ago. Pending no more injuries, I hope to run my first half-marathon later this year.”

Barbara Hicks: “I love the movie-going experience. I also switched from a PC to a Mac about a year ago, so I’m still learning the software on there in my spare time. Last night I played around with GarageBand, editing music. I had a blast.”

Marnie Glover: “I like to cook, read, hike, dance and spend time with friends.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “Any opportunity that I get I like to hang out with my friends; it doesn’t matter what we are doing.”

Vivienne Kenny: “Paint, run and Zumba.”

Duncan Lake: “Skiing, fly-fishing & mountain biking.”

Christine Law Pestana: “Go to the beach, look at design blogs for inspiration and ideas (and because I am nosy in general), listen to and see live music, go out to eat with the hubby, family, and/or friends, watch Boston sports teams win everything! A design blog that I love because it lets me set up “idea books” for my house renovation is www.houzz.com. You can search for ideas by room, style, part of the country … very cool.”

Monica Moreira: “Spending as much free time with family and friends. I have one particular person I met this year that has made my life very special and complete. I also love to play golf, but by my own rules. If you have golfed with me, you might know a few of them!”

Sarah Nasznic: “Play with my 5-month-old puppy and attempt various DIY projects … currently attempting to turn a Toboggan into a bookshelf.”

Melissa Panasuik: “The better question is, ‘What did I used to like to do outside of work?’ And the answer is: relax and read a good book. Now, though, with the new baby – it is sleep, which is such a rare commodity in my life.”

John Pearson: “Hiking, canoeing, backpacking, travel. Throwing sticks for my black lab. Working with Andover Community Trust to build permanently affordable single family homes.”

Dan Perruzzi: “I enjoy cooking, especially for others. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day than cooking for family and friends. I have also been renovating my house for the past 10 years (don’t laugh). I’ve gotten reasonably skilled with carpentry, plumbing, drywall, and electrical.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “Spend time with my family especially my 8 month old daughter, Olivia. Hang out with the Beanz (my two Boston terriers), the art of Bonsai, playing/watching soccer, snowboarding, camping, hiking, fishing, and reading.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “Watch and play soccer.”

Sara Rebeiro: “Outside of work, family and friends are definitely a big part of my life. In the summer, I spend a lot of time up at lake Winnipesaukee with the family.”

Kim Smith: “In my spare time I like to bike, run, hike, dance, socialize with friends or work on my condo.”

Jane Sullivan: “I like to entertain and cook for family and friends – the more people, the better. I find it great fun and relaxing to design a dinner!”

Nathan Turner: “What don’t I like to do …?”

John Vining: “That’s easy: I play with my kids, ride my bike, go to the gym, play hoop in the driveway, play drums in a band, build things, look for the next antique car to buy, go camping, hit the cape at Falmouth Heights, and on and on …”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING AT MPA?

Derek D’Amico: “Being out of the office.”

Jessica Dubois: “The people and the experience. I have learned so much in the last 14 weeks and have gotten to work with some pretty amazing people.”

Dianne Dunnell: “I appreciate that it is a family oriented firm & a firm that spends a lot of effort to enrich our professional careers in current design and technology.”

Jonathan Evans: “The people, there’s a wealth of experience and different perspectives here. It makes collaborating on projects exciting and rewarding.”

Joe Flynn: “Honestly? It’s the people. They make it all amazingly worthwhile (except for that one person who wheezes when they breathe. Jeez that’s annoying!)”

Marnie Glover: “Definitely the people. It is by far the best firm I have ever worked for.”

Caitlin Greenwood: “I really enjoy the atmosphere and the people especially the collaboration and the fact that every designer gets to be involved in phases of design.”

Vivienne Kenny: “Monica Moreira’s positive attitude, and bugging Derek – haha! The atmosphere, enjoy working with such great people and learning so much.”

Barbara Hicks: “Our roof deck!”

Christine Law Pestana: “I sound like everyone else so far but the main reason is the people. It’s so important because you really spend so much of your week in the office. There are a lot of fun people here!”

Monica Moreira: “Can’t leave out my conquests of getting a hug now and again from Derek. It’s challenging, but someday he’ll break down and give me the biggest hug, right D’Amico? He’s like my OLDER brother I never had.”

Janet Morra: “The fact that I have been able to balance work and family. I was the first ‘MPA mom’, so we kind of figured things out along the way.”

Melissa Panasuik: “The atmosphere. It’s everything, from the office space, to the work we do, the people who work here. I’m seriously not kissing up here when I say: it’s the best place I’ve ever worked. But I once worked in a funeral home, so anything would be better than that – HAHA!”

Sarah Nasznic: “The people.”

John Pearson: “The people. The freedom. The clients.”

Dan Perruzzi: “I love the variety of projects we work on, and we have many great clients who are just plain fun to work with, but more than anything I enjoy the people at MPA. I think of them as family. I worry about them, I am thrilled when they are successful, and we are all there to support one another in difficult times. The last three years have not been kind to many architectural firms, but we’ve come together. We are stronger together as a result.”

Alvaro Ribeiro: “The depth and variety of projects we have, the opportunity to work on, as well as, the ideas and process of the people I work with. I’ve learned a great deal from them and will be forever thankful.”

Rui Miguel Ribeiro: “The people.”

Sara Rebeiro: “I don’t just have one favorite part about working at MPA, but I would definitely have to say the people and getting exposure to all different clients/projects.”

Kim Smith: “There are actually several things I like about MPA. I like the fact that the work ranges from interior renovations to new buildings; the clients are fun and interesting and my co-workers are really great people.”

Jane Sullivan: “I feel very fortunate to be working with such a great group of people. I’m also very fortunate to be doing what I’m very good at … creating interior tactile space!”

Nathan Turner: “Multiple views on the same thing.”

John Vining: “Coming into the city with its hustle and bustle, cranking out some work, sharing jokes and laughing with my co-workers, and going home to my family!”